How To Install A Wordpress Theme Without Using An FTP Client

When getting started with building your own Wordpress website installing a Wordpress theme with an FTP client can be a little intimidating, it’s just one more task you need to become proficient and confident in performing.

This tutorial will show you a neat little function inside of your Wordpress site that will let you upload a theme without having to worry about using an FTP client.

The first step is to log into your Wordpress site.

Once logged in, Click on the Add New Themes link under the Appearance section.

Across the top of the Install Themes page, there are five links, these links provide a list of options on how you can find and install your new theme.

The options listed are…

Search. The search page opens by default. When you click on the Add New link you are on the search page.
Upload. If you have previously downloaded a theme to your local hard drive, you can use this function to upload the themes zip file to your Wordpress site.
Featured. Using this option will bring up a list of all the current Featured Wordpress themes on the Wordpress repository.
Newest. As the text implies by clicking on this link you will be able to view a list of the newest Wordpress themes available at Wordpress.org
Recently Updated. By clicking on this link you will see all of the themes that have been recently improved and updated.

Each of the five options are pretty easy to understand and use, the Featured , Newest, and Recently Updated options will display the themes within there respective categories on the Wordpress.org repository.

The Search page provides a lot more flexibility allowing you to search for themes with specific colors, layouts and function.

As you can see in the image below there are two main sections on the Search page, I have explained them in detail below the image.

In the first section, labeled with the number 1 you have the Search by Term, Author or Tag.

This function is especially handy if you are looking for a specific theme, maybe one you have used before or a theme someone has suggested you try. Simply type in your Keyword and Click on the Search button.

In the Find a Theme Based On Specific Features section, labeled with the number 2, you can refine your search with more Generic details.

For example, if I wanted a light colored theme with a right hand sidebar, all I would do is click in the check boxes that fit my needs and wants and hit the Find Themes button, labeled with the number 3.

I will then have a list of themes to choose from that are related to my search queries.

Regardless of your preferred search option, the search results will be displayed in a similar fashion.

In the image below I have included a screen-shot of a typical search result using the Featured link.

Along with a thumbnail image of the theme you also get a basic description of the themes functions, a link to preview a working version of the theme and a link to install the theme.

The Page Link.
The link to preview a working version of the theme.
The link to install the theme to your Wordpress site.

To install the theme simply click on the Install link.

Once your theme has been installed you will either have a confirmation message telling you that the theme has been Successfully installed or a Failure message telling you the theme could not be installed.

If you have problems installing the theme using this feature of Wordpress, contact your webhosts support, you may need to change your file directory permissions.